Mike Balzano

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Something drew me into taking pictures early in my high school career. I took photography my senior year in high school and one semester in college. My formal education was in theatre, where I graduated from Northern Arizona University. I took to the ‘hands on’ approach, learning photography myself.

My primary equipment is an old Speed Graphic with a Fujinon 90mm lens. I also use a Schneider 180, 210 and periodically a Kodak Ektar 135. I meter using a Minolta Flashmeter IV and a Sekonic spot meter

Film is always something that changes. One month, I might like the contrasty look of Fuji Velvia, and other times I prefer the more realistic look of Fuji Sensia. Kodak T-Max 100 is my primary choice for B&W, and I am becoming very fond of Kodak Tech-Pan.

My work is scanned on a Scanview F10 scanner. It is an unbelievable scanner, with the ability to grab detail from the shadows while keeping the highlight detail. I try to use the zone system for metering as much as I can with my B&W. But sometimes I find myself so excited to be staring at a scene and having the light change so rapidly, that I do the best I can. My color work is printed on a LightJet by Mighty Imaging. I do all my own processing, scanning, printing (except the LightJet) and Photoshop work.

I’ll try not to mince words to describe my work. I just set out on an adventure and try to capture what God allows all of us to see. If it looks good, I photograph it. There have been many occasions when I’ve processed the film and said to myself, “What were you thinking”? I never bracket, if I miss it, there will be another time. I truly feel that if a picture moves me, there is a good chance it will move others.

I am motivated by the love of my wonderful wife Kathy, my two children Joel and Molly, my two stepchildren Jonathan and Christopher, my parents, my family and friends.

-Michael